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Bear Valley - Golden View Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Running trail in Anchorage, Alaska · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Bear Valley - Golden View Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Bear Valley - Golden View Trailhead
“Also, it is a relatively short hike to the first peak with a great view of Anchorage.”
Jesse Aaronsen's review mistakes Canyon Road trailhead for this one. It is not good access to Rabbit Lake's, Flattop, Peak 2 etc. That is all on the opposite side of Rabbit Creek Valley, with no easy way across (i.e. bushwacking thru alders and devils club).
Beautiful hike above the Anchorage cityscape. Prime for blueberry picking in September and a perfect light to medium hike for the family.
I believe this should be called the Goldenview trailhead? It's awesome! Well maintained. No fees. Great access to McHugh peak. You can really choose your own adventure on this trail, it's pretty steep, and primitive, but it gets you onto a great ridge with excellent views.
Trail was steep for the first mile and a little muddy in places. Still some snow patches on the mountain. Great views.
Trail conditions & character
“The parking fills quick and overflow parking means that the road can become quite narrow, so be cautions when driving to the trail head.”
“Took just under 4 hours, with a short stop for food, and the views of Anchorage, the Turnagain Arm, and Chugach Mountain range are some of best in this area”
“You can really choose your own adventure on this trail, it's pretty steep, and primitive, but it gets you onto a great ridge with excellent views.”
Plan your run at Bear Valley - Golden View Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitealaska-outdoors.org
Running trails near Anchorage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,072 reviews
Walking route past blueberry bushes & hemlock trees, with panoramic views of Anchorage & Cook Inlet.
Prospect Heights Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Popular hiking area with trails toward Wolverine Peak, featuring scenic vistas of the Chugach.
